Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Model 94 in 32 Special

Just traded a friend out of a Model 94 in 32 SPL. that was made in 1951. This thing doesn't have a mark on it and am not sure if it has even been shot. Would love to use it for our late doe season coming up, but not sure whether I should shoot it or not. I really want to, shots would be 50 yards or less, but at the same time I don't want to put a ding in it. Found an old box of Remington 170gr. Core-Lokt's in my stash so I'm set to go. Usually I don't get to excited about levers, but this gun has deer rifle written all over it. What do you guys think, put it in the safe, or put some venison in the freezer?

That rifle was made to be shot and hunted. Sitting in a safe should only be secondary.

Holy crap.............

We agree on something, and damned near to the letter of the thought.

Who'd have figured that?

I would shoot it.

I took my 1st deer with a late 1920 early 30s` vintage M94 in 32spcl. So did my grandfather, dad, and younger brother if I`m not mistaken. The old gal still would put meat in the freezer if I could quit buying new rifles and give her 1/2 a chance.
I say take it hunting..

My Dad always says, "what good is owning a rifle that you can't tell stories about?"

Take it out and get your game.

If you bought it for a collector or as an investment, don't hunt it. If you bought it because the thought of hunting deer with it appealed to you, go ahead. Unless you hunt out of a tree stand, I can't think of many ways you could abuse it in southeastern Nebraska other than soaking it in pouring rain or a heavy, wet snow and then putting it up wet. Carry it in a protective case until you are ready to hunt, then wear gloves as you carry it. Be careful to keep blood off of the blueing. Wipe it down and clean it good when you get home.

In good condition, it will be valuable to your kids and/or grandkids. The memories that you make with it will be invaluable to you and to them, as well.

Good catch!

Hunt it! There are may ways to protect a rifle from scratches and dings.

R.

Go shoot something with it. You'll be glad you did. You will have a memory together.

+1 !!

-Bob F.

Sounds to me like you bought it for hunting.You probably traded a gun that you used for hunting or shooting.In my opinion if you don't hunt with it your down one gun in your arsenal.It will be agony to have a rifle that you want to hunt with and all you can do is look at it and handle it and and just dream about how fun it would be to take it hunting and take a whitetail down with a piece of American history.Unless it is a rare model of the 94 it's probably worth less than some of the rifles you take out now.Use it but don't abuse it and the value will still be there later.Good hunting.

Bob

Hunt with it and don't worry about dings. Behind every ding there's a memory.

And I agree as well....maybe the world will be coming to an end soon....?

Ingwe

I have my Great Grandad's 32 Model 94 that was built in 1927. I took my first deer which is still my nicest with it. My Great Grandad would be pissed if I didnt hunt with that rifle!

HUSH YOUR MOUTH!!!

Do you guys think that those old 170gr. Core-Lokt's will do an OK job?

They will be difficult to beat. Hornady and others really won't matter, as they are all excellent! I had thought Barnes made an Original in this calibre, but they do not.

R.

Go hunting I want a Marlin 336 in .32 Winchester Special.

I took my first deer in the 50's with a borrowed Mod. 94 in 32 Special. I was given a well used, but sound copy several years ago for Fathers Day & after cleaning up left in the safe. I decided to use on a Florida boar hunt last year & shot 3 boar/hogs with the old classic cartridge. I would say carry the rifle in a lightweight canvas or cloth gun case & enjoy shooting a nostalgic cartridge. Good hunting.